In May 2022, the Strategic Programmes Office within the HSE began leading the development of Ireland’s first National Strategy for Genetics and Genomics.
The National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland, published in December 2022, defines the actions required to support a focused model for genetics and genomics in Ireland and will allow the HSE to develop a genomics service that improves health outcomes, drives down the cost of care, and fuels scientific innovation and discovery.
Genetics and Genomics in Ireland
Genomic medicine is delivering huge benefits for patients around the world by offering them the best predictive, preventive, and personalised care, while simultaneously driving down costs.
This modern approach to medicine has the ability to improve the lives of people at risk for and suffering from some of the world’s most prevalent conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as the rarest of diseases that might otherwise be difficult to diagnose.
However, there is room for improvement in the medical genetics and genomics services offered in Ireland when compared to other European countries
Patients in Ireland and their families would benefit greatly from reducing waiting times for genetic testing, training and hiring more genetic specialists, enhancing coordination between researchers and doctors, or investing our infrastructure to allow the genetics and genomics service to grow. But large-scale changes like this take time, planning, and a singular vision.
Purpose and Guiding Principles of the National Strategy
The purpose of developing a National Genetics and Genomics Strategy is to begin the process of enhancing Ireland’s Genetics and Genomics service by having a single national strategy and implementation framework encompassing care provided across acute, primary and community settings and spanning all ages.
The strategy addresses issues like shortages of trained genetic specialists, knowledge gaps in the clinical workforce, the lack of genetic/genomic literacy across healthcare professionals and the public, and the policies needed to make the service ethical and inclusive. It also proposes the creation of a centralised national body with responsibility for the oversight and coordination of genetic services.
Graphic of Guiding Principles
The guiding principles underpinning this work will ensure that the National Strategy is:
- Responsive: Given the speed at which the fields of genetics and genomics are progressing, we will remain agile and adaptable to advances in scientific knowledge and tools and their clinical and research applications
- Ethically Grounded: The use of personal data will meet the highest ethical principles for clinical practice and research and reflect the voice of the citizens of Ireland
- Trusted: Effective governance will ensure that Genetic and Genomic clinical services and research are delivered in a manner that fosters trust and builds public and patient confidence in precision medicine
- Empowering: Patients and their families are empowered to make informed decisions about the use of genetic and genomic tests and health data in the delivery of their care
- Inclusive and Accessible: Genetic and genomic services and research will be equitable, inclusive, accessible, responsive and respectful of ethical, cultural and socio-economic diversity
- Evidence-based and Cost-effective: The translation of advancements in genetics and genomics into healthcare services will be evidence based and in the best interest of our patients while remaining cost effective and reducing waste
- Collaborative: To advance knowledge and fuel innovation in genetics and genomics, we will work collaboratively both nationally and internationally, for the benefit of patients
- Patient- and Family-Centred: Services will be delivered in an integrated patient and family centred manner
Graphic of Areas of Work of Working Groups
National Strategy Steering Group
The development of Ireland’s National Strategy for Genetics and Genomics was led by a steering group of experts that included representatives from a range of clinical specialties in Ireland, academic and patient representatives, and international experts in the area of genetics and genomics. The steering group was chaired by Dr Mark Bale, former Genomics Advisor to the UK Department of Health, and supported by the Strategic Programmes Office of the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer.
In addition, four working groups (each with a diverse and specially qualified membership) were established to deal with specific facets of the strategy:
- Policy, Communications and Engagement
- Data and Infrastructure
- Workforce and Collaboration
- Clinical Practice and Innovation
Stakeholder Engagement
Including patients, researchers, and healthcare professionals – both within the membership of the working groups and through external engagement – in the development of this strategy was critical to our work. As part of that effort, the Strategic Programmes Office hosted a number of interactive informational seminars that were well-attended and well-received. You can find the recordings of these seminars at the links below.
Documentation and Further Reading
Resources on Medical Genetics Testing and Related Services in Ireland
Questions?
If you have any questions about the development of the strategy, please email
StrategicProgrammes.CCO@hse.ie
For press queries, please contact the HSE National Press Office by email at press@hse.ie or by phone at 01 9213912
About the Strategic Programmes Office
The Strategic Programmes Office Strategic Programmes Office works to improve the delivery of healthcare for people in Ireland through the development and implementation of innovative new programmes that drive clinical transformation throughout the HSE. Ongoing programmes in 2023 include the development and implementation of a National Strategy for Genetics and Genomics and the continued implementation of Public Health Reform in alignment with Sláintecare priorities.
The Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) is responsible for ensuring clinical leadership, encompassing medical, nursing, midwifery and health and social care professions, at the most senior level of the organisation and works closely with National Directors, other Clinical Leads and with senior leaders within Community Healthcare Organisations and Hospital Groups to secure sustainable improvements in patient and service user outcomes, safety and experience.
